"We'll be searching the area for the culprit, so if you notice anything suspicious, please contact us. Since you run a farm nearby, pay special attention to your environment's safety."
Jenny had intended to lecture Lucas on safety, but recalling the powerful Pokémon she'd seen at his farm she relaxed.
With such strong Pokémon, his farm would likely be fine even if wild Pokémon went berserk. It was odd for a farmer to be so strong as a trainer.
Lucas nodded and asked, "Can you tell me how they were poisoned? Was it an attack or food poisoning? I'm always careful about these things myself."
Jenny exchanged a look with the officer and replied, "It was food poisoning. They got sick after tasting freshly harvested crops. It's a shame—one family had planned a trip for the Naranja Academy spring break, but now everyone's in the hospital, and the trip's canceled."
…
Back at his farm, Lucas was greeted by Luxray and the now-polished patrol members, Growlithe and Dachsbun. They walked proudly, clearly imitating police dogs, and looked the part.
"Lux~?"
Luxray rubbed its head against Lucas's palm, its gaze questioning—clearly curious about the emergency lights and sirens.
Lucas explained the poisoning incident at Jones Farm and told Luxray to stay alert for anything unusual.
Luxray understood the seriousness, taking Growlithe and Dachsbun to strengthen the farm's defenses.
Luxray knew all too well the dangers of poison. In the Championship battle, Geeta's Glimmora's toxins had given it a hard time. If not for its strong bond with Lucas, it might have lost.
With many farm Pokémon lacking resistance to poison, especially the Grass-types, Luxray took its new task seriously.
Lucas then headed to Thunder Lake to release Swampert and the Damp Rock.
Sinking the rock at the lake's bottom would help prevent wild Pokémon from stealing it. Water-types could absorb its energy as needed.
A rock this large was like catnip for Water Pokémon.
Indeed, the Politoads and Poliwhirls watched Swampert with hungry eyes as it carried the Damp Rock into the lake. Even Dragonair and Dragonite were envious of the water energy inside.
"This rock will last a long time. Don't fight over it—share nicely."
Lucas reminded them, then told them about the poisoning incident and to report any clues.
Poisoning was miserable, even if it could be cured—the pain was real. Lucas didn't want his Pokémon to suffer.
After settling things at the lake, Lucas walked to the still-empty pasture, flashlight in hand. He felt at ease about the Grass-types—Luxray would warn them.
Before he even reached the fence, the sounds of collisions made him frown—what was going on? Had wild Pokémon broken in, or were Sawsbuck and Mudsdale fighting?
Speeding up, Lucas found the male Sawsbuck and Mudsdale wrestling, while the female Sawsbuck watched quietly.
At first glance, it looked like a fight, but Lucas knew better.
Mudsdale was calm by nature, and Sawsbuck weren't troublemakers. Lucas had brought them to the farm for their courage and character.
So, there was only one explanation.
After a stalemate, the male Sawsbuck stepped aside, and the female took its place. Her large antlers glowed green, growing several times larger as she charged Mudsdale.
That was the move "Horn Leech."
Mudsdale lifted its head, its brow covered in metallic sheen—using "Iron Head."
The two Pokémon clashed—ground trembling, dust flying, and grass bending from the force.
So that was the source of the noise. Lucas watched quietly.
The Sawsbuck had grown much stronger than when he found them at Casseroya Lake. Now, they could easily defeat the Lycanroc they once struggled against.
Lucas wasn't surprised—their diet was excellent, and the farm was full of strong Pokémon for them to spar with, plus his own guidance.
Seeing Pokémon thrive under his care was rewarding.
When the contest ended, the three Pokémon noticed Lucas and eagerly dashed over.
Mudsdale licked Lucas's face, and the Sawsbuck nuzzled his clothes affectionately.
Lucas didn't dodge.
Pokémon express their love in many ways—like James's Victreebel or Cacnea's crushing hugs, or Ash's Charizard's unique fireblasts.
Lucas believed trainers should accept their Pokémon's affection, however it's shown.
After all, to most Pokémon, you are their whole world.